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Polish, Irish FMs pledge continued support for Ukraine

28.04.2026 11:45
The foreign ministers of Poland and Ireland have reaffirmed their countries' support for Ukraine and discussed European security ahead of Ireland's upcoming presidency of the European Union.
Audio
Polands top diplomat Radosław Sikorski (right) speaks at a joint news conference with his Irish counterpart Helen McEntee (left) in Warsaw on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Poland's top diplomat Radosław Sikorski (right) speaks at a joint news conference with his Irish counterpart Helen McEntee (left) in Warsaw on Monday, April 27, 2026.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Ireland’s Helen McEntee, who also serves as defence minister, met in Warsaw on Monday to focus on international security and EU priorities as Ireland prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the bloc on July 1.

"We share a common assessment of the current situation," Sikorski said at a joint news conference.

"We unequivocally condemn Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and agree on the need to continue supporting Kyiv," he added.

He told reporters that Ireland has supported Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion and has taken in about 100,000 refugees.

McEntee pledged continued backing for Ukraine during Ireland’s EU presidency, saying that security and freedom would be among the key priorities of its six-month turn at the helm of the 27-nation bloc.

She also highlighted the need for continued financial assistance for Kyiv and further sanctions against Russia, while pointing to cybersecurity and maritime security as key areas of focus in defence cooperation.

The two foreign ministers also discussed economic ties between their countries, with Sikorski saying that bilateral trade reached EUR 4.5 billion last year, marking a 24-percent increase compared with 2024.

Trade includes medical products, machinery, IT services and construction services, reporters were told.

Talks also covered the Middle East and transatlantic relations. Sikorski said both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

McEntee emphasised the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, support the single market and simplify regulations, while reaffirming Ireland's openness to transatlantic trade and its support for EU enlargement.

Sikorski described relations between Poland and Ireland as friendly and close, noting cooperation within the EU and the presence of a large Polish community in Ireland, estimated at around 120,000 people.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP

Click on the audio player above for a report by Agnieszka Bielawska.